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01/27/2020

Ned Rifken has performed as a Guest Headline Entertainer in over 2000 performances as the official "Ambassador of Swing" for Carnival, Holland America, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea & Seabourne Cruise Lines.   

On March 5th 2020 Ned performed one of the most celebrated concerts ever to be recorded. Sinatra at the Sands Live.  

Esteemed Drummer and Conductor Michael Berkowitz led the KSDS Jazz Orchestra playing the original arrangements from this famous engagement. Singer, Ned Rifken, one of the foremost Sinatra-styled vocalists, is billed as the “Ambassador of Swing” and he will transport you back in time with his interpretations of these Sinatra-Basie classics.  

In December of 2019, he was the featured male vocalist performing in the Holiday show " Holly Jolly Pops" with the Santa Rosa Symphony Pops Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Michael Berkowitz. He also performed in the "Pops" James Bond Tribute "Bond and Beyond" concert which was held on February 23rd 2020, at the Luther Burbank Center. 

In 2018 Ned was featured as the M.C. and "Boy Singer" in the Nationally Touring Company of "Battle Of The Big Bands - 2" Glenn Miller vs Harry James. Performing several shows throughout the State of California. 

On land, his performances have numbered in the hundreds singing at countless events in the Southern California area. Including the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Songwriters Association Tribute to Ray Evans, Palos Verde Jazz Festival, City of Beverly Hills, City of Brentwood, L.A. Jazz Sweet and Hot Festival and Typhoon at the Santa Monica Airport, to name a few. 

Well known for his vast musical library he sings the beloved classic arrangements from the best of the "Great American Songbook." His tribute to “Sinatra at the Sands” has been performed to sold-out audiences in Southern and Northern California receiving great acclaim. 

Over the past 25 years, he has also performed and been associated with well-known studio musicians who have been associated with almost every iconic music organization from the 20th Century. These mentors of all ages have worked with the likes of Brian Setzer, The Manhattan Transfer, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Henry Mancini, Nelson Riddle, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart and many more! 

These are just some of the Big Bands that he has performed with: 

Randy Van Horne's Alumni Association, Johnny Vana's Alumni Band, Decades - Rock Tribute Band, Horace Heidt and his Musical Knights, Bill Webster's Unabridged Big Band, Tim Davies Big Band, Geo Valle's Swing City, Paul McDonald Big Band, Late Nite Big Band, Rex Merriweather's Not Your Father's Big Band, The Conejo Pops Orchestra and The Bob Noval Orchestra.   

Since moving to Santa Rosa California in 2016 he has been performing regularly with the prestigious “Wednesday Night Big Band” which has been made up of the best musicians in Sonoma County for over 30 years. 

His Jazz Combo Quartet "Ned Rifken and the Hipmunks," have performed at countless events in the Southern California region, including a residency at the famous “The Grove.” Their CD called “No Worries” features Ned’s original song of the same title. The CD also features legendary actor/artist/comedian/musician Martin Mull playing the guitar on Ned’s version of Martin’s song “Flexible.”